Word Roots

When one starts studying vocabulary they realize how words relate to one another and how learning a prefix or suffix can help them decode the meaning of a totally new word. Word Roots is based on this premise: to efficiently and effectively learn vocabulary (and aid spelling as well as reading comprehension) learn the different elements roots, prefixes, suffixes. Word Roots covers both Greek and Latin roots; these being the foundation of much of our English language.

Each Word Roots lesson covers one or more root words plus several prefixes and suffixes; giving definitions of each. The student then works through a list of derivatives (words derived from the root word) matching definitions with the words. Then the new words are used in sentences; the student deciding what is the best word choice for each sentence. Previous editions of this program stopped at this point but the newest edition provides a number of extra reinforcement exercises: defining word parts, writing sentences and an optional creative writing suggestion. Reviews after every two lessons provide several different activities that match words from both lessons to their definitions as well as a sentence completion activity. A pre-test and a post-test help to evaluate how much the student knows going into the course and how much progress they made as they finish. Each book also includes a complete answer key plus a dictionary of Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The workbooks are reproducible for one classroom or homeschool.

Flashcards (3.25" x 5.25") have a prefix, root, or suffix on the front and definitions on the back. The set includes instructions for quick, fun activities. A helpful supplement to the Word Roots workbooks or other roots-based programs or they can also be used as an independent teaching tool. Card sets correspond to the word list for each level.

Compared to the previous edition, the roots, prefixes, and suffixes are largely the same in corresponding books; A1 to Book 1, A2 to Book 2. However, there are more derivatives (vocabulary words) and activities for each list in the new edition. There is no indication that Critical Thinking Co. will be updating the software, but the impression I got is that the increased activities in the books now correlates better with the software, which used to have more activities than the book. 225 250 pgs, pb. ~ Janice